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Armed Forces Day
Armed Forces Day
Observed by	Bangladesh
Date	November 21
Next time	21 November 2024
Frequency	annual

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Armed Forces Day (Bengali: সশস্ত্র বাহিনী দিবস) is observed in Bangladesh on November 21. This signifies the day in 1971, when the members of Army, Navy and Air force of the Bangladesh liberation war forces were fully operational and launched a coordinated offensive against the Pakistani Army.^[1] On December 16, 1971, the Pakistan Army surrendered with 93,000 troops to the allied forces of Bangladesh and India, ending the Liberation War of Bangladesh and the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971 simultaneously.

Significance

On 21 November, after almost eight months into the war of liberation that all three forces led a joint operation simultaneously marking the day to be the day as Armed Forces Day. The joining of these forces resulted in large areas along the border to be liberated every day. This allowed the Bangladesh Forces to disrupt the lines of communication within a few days^[2]. This day bears especial significance in the history of Bangladesh and is being celebrated every year with due solemnity and importance, to honour the sacrifices made by the members of the Bangladesh Armed forces, who fought and gave their lives in the liberation war.

History

Bangladesh Liberation War initially commenced in the form of resistance movement as the Pakistan Army cracked down on 25th March 1971 primarily at Dhaka and subsequently extending it to the entire of Bangladesh. Gradually the Bangladesh Forces organized small groups of guerrilla fighters who followed ‘hit and run’^[3] tactics. As a third stage in the war, the Bengali military personnel who were members of Pakistan Army, Navy and Air Force deserted their respective units to join Bangladesh Forces and organized them into regular units across the border in Indian territory primarily as Land Force. A small group of Naval Commandos also opened the Naval wing and a few Pilots and Airmen formed the Air Wing

Bangladesh Army After a prolonged guerrilla warfare was launched by Bangladesh Forces, which continued for a number of months. A further restructuring was undertaken, and the Bangladesh Forces were organized into three brigade size combat groups.

'Z' Force,^[2]: Lieutenant Colonel Ziaur Rahman was the commander of this force. The brigade was formed with the 1st, 3rd and 8th Battalion of East Bengal Regiment on 7 July, 1971. The Z Force was raised at the foot hills of Tura hill, opposite to Mymensingh^[4].

'K' Force: Lieutenant Colonel (later Brigadier) Khaled Mosharraf was the commander of this force. The brigade was formed at Agartala^[2], with the 4th, 9th and 10th Battalion of East Bengal Regiment on the month of September 1971.

'S' Force: Major K M Shafiullah was the commander of this force. The Brigade was formed at Hezamara^[2], with the 2nd and 11th Battalion of East Bengal Regiment on the month of October 1971.

Bangladesh Navy Many of the bangali sailors and officers in the Pakistan Navy decamped, in order to form an emerging Bangladesh Navy. Initially, there were two ships PADMA and PALASH and 45 navy personnel. They prevented the supply of arms, ammunitions and rations for the occupation forces. This operation from the Navel Commandos made Ports in Chittagong and Mongla highly lethal for the occupation forces. ^[2].

Bangladesh Air Force The official date of formation of the Bangladesh Air Force (BAF) has been established as 28 September 1971 and it was launched formally by the Government on 8 October 1971. BAF was formed with all officers and airmen of Bengali origin serving in the Pakistan Air Force prior to the war. Out of 11 BDF Sectors, the most tactically significant sector, the Central Sector - Sector 11, was in command of a BAF officer including Sector 6. The BAF started their operation from an abandoned airfield at Dimapur. ^[2].

Programs

The day starts with laying of floral wreath at 'Shikha Anirban' (Eternal Flame) at Dhaka Cantonment by President, Prime Minister and Service Chiefs. In the afternoon a reception at Senakunja, Dhaka Cantonment is held where Prime Minister, ministers, leader of opposition and other high civil and military officials attend. In other cantonments, naval and air bases similar receptions are held. A special TV programme Anirban is broadcast on different TV channels the previous evening and special newspaper supplements are also published with national dailies. Receptions are also held by Prime Minister and Service Chiefs for recipients of the gallantry award Freedom fighter. Improved meals for family members are served in all military stations. Armed Forces Division also brings out a special publication with articles related to the War of Independence and armed forces.